The town where Sascha and Joost moved a few years ago is in the eastern part of Holland and has a rich history from the period when the city was an important trading place along the river "De IJssel", which was originally connected to the North Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean. This city was largely built and protected by the VOC, one of the world's earliest international trading companies. Back in those days, Holland was not yet a country but rather a number of independent cities (16th/17th century). The VOC pretty much "pirated" the world (read: the then called "colonies") and created for Holland what was called the "golden century". Zutphen over the past 100 years lost its importance, but the community has done a nice job to restore and maintain many of its historic buildings.
Many of the older buildings, such as churches and warehouses, are now turned into restaurants, hotels and even a library (see photos following). Of course, everywhere bicycles and pretty much a car-free city center. A truly lovely small town with a nice atmosphere. Many narrow old streets and alleys.
Many North Americans might frown a bit about the use of an old church building as a public library, but I call it "Dutch practicality".... The inside of the library has this way a beautiful interior and history is maintained in a pragmatic and educational way....
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